Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Help! Jordan - Husband PASSED interview BUT ..	QUOTE (magnolia2002 @ Apr 27 2009, 08:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well. Ok. I was told that our case was sent back to USCIS and that we should have been notified since January. Quick background: My husband went to his interview and was missing 1 of his identity documents. He is Iraqi and apparently they have 3 different documents. Anyway, my husband got the document from Iraq but it had the wrong first name. So, my husband sent it back to Iraq and requested a new one with the correct name. He got it and sent it into the embassy. Apparently, the corrected document had been corrected BY HAND. My husband is not familiar with how the U.S. Govt works and did not know this was unacceptable when he turned it in. As a result, in January we received the 212 (g) form which stated it was being sent back to USCIS for fraudulent documents. Immediately, he and our lawyer in Jordan contacted the embassy and told them the situation and my husband got the corrected document, had it verified at the Iraqi embassy in Jordan and then turned THAT one in to the embassy. We were told then that everything was good and now we await administrative processing to be issued our visa. Keep in mind, I have an email from the embassy stating that we were only awaiting AP for the issuance of his visa dated FEBRUARY. As you all know from reading this journey, I have been calling the state department every week for a while and have been told we were in AP. Ok. Good. We wait. When I called last week, I was told that we were given a 212(g) document in January and that our file had been sent back to the USCIS. #######??? I pushed and called and tried to find out what was going on from the state department and they tell me, every single time I call, it is up to the Embassy in Jordan to correct it. The Embassy in Jordan refuses to acknowledge they made a mistake and keep telling us that, yes, they sent the file back in January. When I confront them with the question of WHEN they sent it back, they don't answer. I cannot get them to give me a time. I sent their own email back to them stating we were only awaiting AP to get his visa and that email was sent in FEBRUARY. They won't answer me. They just keep giving me the same standard sentence..."your file was sent back to USCIS...blah blah.." My husband's lawyer knows someone that works at the embassy and according to him, our file is STILL AT THE EMBASSY. ????????? So....WHAT THE HELL DO I DO NOW?? Are we in AP?? or has our file been sent back and if so, when and why?? We provided sufficient proof of EVERYTHING. IF ANYONE KNOWS A GOOD IMMIGRATION LAWYER HERE IN THE STATES, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. Thank you, Robin I need to correct that sentence "The embassy in Jordan refuses to acknowledge they made a mistake and keep telling us that, yes, they sent the file back. (Exclude the "January") because that's the whole problem...they won't tell us WHEN they sent the file.	magnolia2002	Female	Jordan	2009-04-27 20:49:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Help! Jordan - Husband PASSED interview BUT ..	Well. Ok. I was told that our case was sent back to USCIS and that we should have been notified since January. Quick background: My husband went to his interview and was missing 1 of his identity documents. He is Iraqi and apparently they have 3 different documents. Anyway, my husband got the document from Iraq but it had the wrong first name. So, my husband sent it back to Iraq and requested a new one with the correct name. He got it and sent it into the embassy. Apparently, the corrected document had been corrected BY HAND. My husband is not familiar with how the U.S. Govt works and did not know this was unacceptable when he turned it in. As a result, in January we received the 212 (g) form which stated it was being sent back to USCIS for fraudulent documents. Immediately, he and our lawyer in Jordan contacted the embassy and told them the situation and my husband got the corrected document, had it verified at the Iraqi embassy in Jordan and then turned THAT one in to the embassy. We were told then that everything was good and now we await administrative processing to be issued our visa. Keep in mind, I have an email from the embassy stating that we were only awaiting AP for the issuance of his visa dated FEBRUARY. As you all know from reading this journey, I have been calling the state department every week for a while and have been told we were in AP. Ok. Good. We wait. When I called last week, I was told that we were given a 212(g) document in January and that our file had been sent back to the USCIS. #######??? I pushed and called and tried to find out what was going on from the state department and they tell me, every single time I call, it is up to the Embassy in Jordan to correct it. The Embassy in Jordan refuses to acknowledge they made a mistake and keep telling us that, yes, they sent the file back in January. When I confront them with the question of WHEN they sent it back, they don't answer. I cannot get them to give me a time. I sent their own email back to them stating we were only awaiting AP to get his visa and that email was sent in FEBRUARY. They won't answer me. They just keep giving me the same standard sentence..."your file was sent back to USCIS...blah blah.." My husband's lawyer knows someone that works at the embassy and according to him, our file is STILL AT THE EMBASSY. ????????? So....WHAT THE HELL DO I DO NOW?? Are we in AP?? or has our file been sent back and if so, when and why?? We provided sufficient proof of EVERYTHING. IF ANYONE KNOWS A GOOD IMMIGRATION LAWYER HERE IN THE STATES, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. Thank you, Robin	magnolia2002	Female	Jordan	2009-04-27 20:46:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Help! Jordan - Husband PASSED interview BUT ..	Thank you, ParisHeart, I wish you and yours the best as well. Hopefully, you won't get caught in this nightmare. God Bless.	magnolia2002	Female	Jordan	2009-03-28 12:29:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Help! Jordan - Husband PASSED interview BUT ..	Finally spoke with someone at the Dept. of State who explained that it is an FBI name check and that there was no way they could give me a date because all cases were different. (I already knew all of this from researching on this website and the information you guys have given me, but it was good to have it verified. ) I even (finally) spoke with someone who was actually NICE at the DOS..lol She told me that I could call once a week and check the status and believe me, I do. lol Of course, all I hear is "pending further administrative processing", but it's from a live human being and if/when I get the 'nice' lady, she lets me know as much as she can. At least it makes me feel as though I'm doing SOMEthing. Sigh... The number to call the DOS is 1-202-663-1225. You have to listen to some very long prerecorded 'blurbs' before you can actually select the option to speak to a human, but it CAN be done. Have your case/file number ready. I'm sorry if this is a repeat for some of you, but maybe someone could use this info. Married 11/22/2007. Lived in Jordan with my husband for 7 months. Had to come home to care of elderly mother. 128 days since his interview at the embassy. 280 days since I last saw my husband. "STILL PENDING ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING" But never giving up hope.... Peace	magnolia2002	Female	Jordan	2009-03-27 20:58:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Help! Jordan - Husband PASSED interview BUT ..	Well, if takes much longer, I'll move back to Jordan. LOL I work a dot.com, so as long as I have internet...it's all good. I'll just bring my mother with me. LOL (believe me, much easier said than done with someone who has Alzheimer's... ). I'll hang in there a while longer but this is really excruciating....sigh..... I really, REALLY hope you don't get caught in this hole. And I really, REALLY hope those of us who are, find ourselves out of it SOON....Inshallah....	magnolia2002	Female	Jordan	2009-03-06 00:39:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Help! Jordan - Husband PASSED interview BUT ..	I just read it. THANK YOU!! YAY!! HOPE.... a very valuable thing.... THANK YOU.	magnolia2002	Female	Jordan	2009-03-05 21:26:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Help! Jordan - Husband PASSED interview BUT ..	Just wanted to update: I called the Department of State. They told me that when they are approved but are sent for administrative processing, that they are usually doing a 'name check'. I tried to get her to explain to me exactly what that was, but she couldn't or wouldn't. She just kept saying it was an extra check they run on the name. Then she (albeit politely) told me to contact the embassy from now on, not the DOS. lol She said they (US Embassy in Jordan) will be the first to be contacted and even if they (DOS) knew anything, they wouldn't tell me. I would still have to go through the emassy and, no, they do not have a time limit nor can they estimate a time. We will just have to "wait until the process is complete." I just wanted to thank you all again for getting me started. It's hell not knowing even where to begin. Good luck!	magnolia2002	Female	Jordan	2009-03-05 21:13:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Help! Jordan - Husband PASSED interview BUT ..	Thanks again, Lisa. I truly don't want to discourage you, but my husband went through the NVC AP as well. I truly hope you don't have to go through this too. ~hugs~	magnolia2002	Female	Jordan	2009-03-03 23:50:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Help! Jordan - Husband PASSED interview BUT ..	Hi Just_Jackie... I feel you....we are on day 104 of AP. But, I figured with all the holidays and weekends, our "90-day period" will be over on May 8. I looked on the DOS website and they do not count holidays and weekends. *surprise!* lol So, by our supposed "90-day period" it will actually have been 169 days. Depressing, I know. I just keep praying it will happen sooner and that's all I can do. I pray it happens soon for you too. This really is difficult. ~hugs~	magnolia2002	Female	Jordan	2009-03-03 23:47:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Help! Jordan - Husband PASSED interview BUT ..	Thank you for everything. It's good to hear from someone else in Jordan! I'm not so sure I'm glad to know what it is now, though. LOL There are many mixed messages on here and to be honest with you, my husband was never given a paper stating he was on 'AP'. It's all so confusing. They gave him his passport back and said he had to undergo another security check. That's it. So, it's probably safe to 'assume' it is AP, but you know what they say about the word 'assume' (#### = u = me). I'll wait the requisite 90 days (excluding weekends and holidays..ugh) and then I will contact the DOS and my senator/congressman if need be. It just doesn't make any sense to be told "Hey! You're approved!" and then told..."after you pass another security check...." Are we "approved" or not??? Can they still say "no way"?? sigh... Just venting. I hope you don't get into this AP hole.....I was not able to be with my husband on our first anniversary and I haven't seen him in 8 months. We are not spring chickens (45 and 50) and we just want to live our lives together. Inshallah...soon. Hope your journey is a smooth one! QUOTE (magnolia2002 @ Mar 3 2009, 06:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> So THAT's what it's called...."administrative processing." I didn't know. Now I can look at the threads on here regarding that. I just didn't know what it was called! "something of a timeline.." lol - Married - Jordan, Nov. 11, 2007 - Filed immediately. - We were approved for everything (sorry but don't have exact dates and names for everything with me right now. - Husband's appointment at Embassy in Jordan - Nov. 19, 2008. Was told "everything is good. We must only send for one more security check. It takes an average of 1-3 months." That's it. That's all we were told. Our lawyer didn't even know what that meant. (Lawyer in Jordan - yes, we got a new lawyer). But my husband is doing everything from over there because I was living with him until a few months ago when I had to come back to the US to take care of my mother. - Contacted the embassy again last week 02/26/09 and was told it was at the State Department. They have no idea when it will be sent, but it takes an average of 3 months. I didn't even know it was called "administrative processing" until you wonderful people cleared it up for me. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. ! Hopefully it won't take much longer. QUOTE (magnolia2002 @ Mar 3 2009, 04:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My husband's interview was the US Embassy in Jordan on Nov. 19, 2008. They told him that everything looked good and that his papers were being sent to the State Department for another security check. We were told it would take 1-3 months. It has been 3 months and there is still no word. We check with embassy frequently but they say that they are waiting on the State Department. Has anyone else had this happen? Where they were 'approved' but had to await ANOTHER security check from the state department? I can't find any information on this at all, anywhere, and believe me, I've looked! The embassy just keeps telling us to 'hang in there, we only await the state department'. I'm not sure what that means. Have we been approved or not? HELP!!	magnolia2002	Female	Jordan	2009-03-03 22:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Belarus travel insurance	I thought the lights turning yellow before green was really cool COOL? She scared the living ####### out of me when my gal took off like a drag racer before it turn green! I mean, the minute I seen that light turn yellow WHAMMM! She was gone buddy (laughing). It's that "circle" lane in town that gets me. Now it was temping to do a little "drifting" in that's circle lane and try to avoid the cars coming at ya (laughing). But she didn't let me drive. Wait when I get her here, I got a nice big dodge dully quade cab waiting for her to test her driving abilities !!! (laughing). parking is a nightmare over there,and remember, at there McDonald's? It's not "Wrapes", it's "rolls" when you try to order the chicken Wrapes (lol). I confused the heck out of her and her son when there was trying to order for me (laughing). It wasn't till I was sitting down eating (if you can find a place to sit in there) that I looked at the menu and read "ROLLS" not Wrapes. No wonder I got them confused (lol). Wow but they has some people in that McDonald's. 20 cars in the drive dru, 5 lines wide X almost 12 people deep at the counter ordering, and every spot in the place to sit and eat at was taken (we could of knocked the drunk sleeping guy out of one table, but we was scared he jump up and piss the floor, so we left him alone, lol). I wish we had a library like there's. Talk about entertainment at night if you was drunk !!!	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-04-04 08:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Belarus travel insurance	I don't know if things have changed in the wake of the subway bombing last year, but I do know that they check for registration at the airport upon departure. I don't know what would happen now if you didn't have it.....I would not want to find out. And they will certainly ask for insurance at OVIR when you register. I also got stopped for a traffic violation last summer in Old Minsk (right turn on red....Doh!), and the first thing they asked for was passport and registration. Insurance is easy.....If you depart onto the upper level you will end up in a line at an insurance kiosk. If you deplane on the tarmac you will be directed at passport control to the second level to the insurance kiosk. Aviator......yeah, I missed Dr. Pepper too. And iced tea.....or iced anything. Or cold anything. lol BOY THEY LIKE IT HOT OVER THERE (lol). And just about all the pop stands that suppose to be keeping the drinks cold? Is warm !! ####### !! When I found me a place that has cold coke? I guard it like a freaken snappy chawawa dog (laughing). When I left there Feb 29th, they didn't check nothing put stamped my passport, but I did carry the insurgence, passport, and that paper after I registered with me at all times. OH, to name a few more things that kinda threw me off, washing clothes, hanging them outside to dry (lol). I found a trick to this to get your clothes to dry faster, hang them in a closet instead. Worked for me. But in my lady's new flat she's about to move into, I told her I will buy her a washer with a dryer compo (lol). They need a bigger bath tube. Ok, this one kinda gets me gets me 50/50, you and your lady is playing around in bed (if you know what I mean) and your a few floors up, but in the building next door? They can see in your dang flat (laughing). This don't bother my gall at all, but this Cajun man likes to keep his private things private. Specially when your doing "special maneuvers" and "tricky possitions" (laughing). Took me awhile to get used of this, but after your lady gives you "that special treatment"? WHO CARE WHO'S WATCHING (laughing). I guess I'm spoiled for my conviences from the staes, but there life style kinda rubs on you after a while.	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-04-02 23:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Belarus travel insurance	Happened to me, I started to laugh and everyone was staring at me finally i found a aisle no one was going down and waited for the wife to finish shopping there Not me, I got envolved and started doing like they did (laughing). It was kinda fun playing "bumper people" and not getting punched in the face (laughing). I think the funniest thing that happen over there is when I finally met her mom. She seen me lots of times on Skype when my gal and I talked. Her mom has a very keen sense of humor also. Well, the minute that door opened and I seen her mom, I went up and gave that woman a big hug and a big kiss and she didnt know what to do (laughing). It was like she didn't budge and her hands was in the air (laughing) and that's when "dad" came out the room (lol), I took one look at him, and when he put his hand out to shake mine? I grabbed him, gave him the biggest hug and kissed him too (laughing). He laughed his tail off and told Lena (that's my lady) in Russian that "this dude gots balls!! And we got along ever since after that. He kept trying to talk me into going to a strip joint and go drink (of course) Voyka (laughing). I thought it was a test to see if I would have respect for my lena, so I told him " LET'S GO"! (laughing). He knew I was joking, but right now, I think he misses me more than Lena (laughing). Lena told me that I was the only guy to get him out his room and got him to joke around or to just talk (or try too with me). Mom kept cooking for me and she cooked something deferent everyday. I learned that mushroom soup is very deferent from mushroom soup from here. I had to spit it out (laughing). But she made a raspberry drink (homemade) that tasted like tea. It might of been tea for that matter, but damn it was good. Oh, they don't have no Dr. Pepper over there, and Dr. Pepper is like my coffee in the mornings. Boy when I hit Dulles airport? I drunk 3, 20 oz Dr. Peppers before my flight back to New Orlenas (lol). I can't wait to go back.	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-04-02 21:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Belarus travel insurance	This is why I register, and my wife makes me do it. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: You need a passport and a visa. You must obtain a visa in advance to visit or transit through Belarus. If you do not have a visa, you will not be able to enter the country. All U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Belarus are required to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior (formerly OVIR) within 5 business days of arrival. In other words, if you plan to spend only 7 days (5 working days weekend) in Belarus, you are not required to register. The registration fee is currently approximately $6 (the exact amount can be calculated by taking half of one National Minimum Tariff Unit) regardless of the duration of stay. Failure to register can result in fines and difficulties when departing. If you plan to stay at a hotel, you will be automatically registered at check-in. Registration performed by a hotel is free of charge. http://travel.state....s/cis_1033.html I know about registering with there local police. That we did 2 days after I got there. I was told that (perhaps) after we was to be married, then they probably let me have the multi entry when I apply for that after I was to be married. This is my second trip there this May. I just finished up today my visa for this second trip. Now, it's the paper chase when I get back from there to prepare the spouses visa.	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-04-02 19:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Belarus travel insurance	I use VisaHQ for my visa needs. I was issued a single entry visa once in error when I needed a double entry visa, and the folks at VisaHQ informed me about it before they mailed it back to me. All they needed to know was the other destination I was going to. I said Poland, and that was it. I never had to do this before in regards to getting a double/multi entry visa (it must be a new thing). I was not married during all my trips to Belarus (my wife was just my fiancee at the time). If you need more information just PM me. http://belarus.visahq.com/ In regards to carrying your documents with you at all times, I only carried a copy of my US passport/visa and wallet. I left all my original documents in my wife's apartment. Indeed it's a different world, but I always felt safe there (albeit I felt out of place). I had a few funny moments while I was there, like a time when an gardener from the botanical garden we visted in Minsk followed us and staring at me. I told my wife, and we went over to talk to the man. He just wanted to know if I was Chinese and ask how the taxi system works over there (I was laughing), and my wife just told him I was an American. Good luck. Yeah, I felt out of place too. But it will be the same when my gal comes here. But she'd traveled allot, so she want feel like I did in Minsk. You had a Gardner in counter, I think I had KGB following me I think (laughing). Of course I had to dress in my work uniform which are military, and my flight jacket. I'm a boat captain by trade, but I'm very evolved in aviation when I'm not at work. So my work uniforms I bought has my company logos on them (minus the American flag patches). Plus, the nature of my work on the boats as captain consist of allot of security training and such because we deal with allot of high hazmat cargo. There's only two people on the vessel that has access to information (which I'm not allowed to give out those people). As for me, I have allot of security things on my ID (credit cards, my name, SSN, etc), that if anyone pulls my bio information? I get a message telling me so. Then I call up my partners, and they tell me who inquired about me. Well, I guess Belarus people checked me out, because that inquiery came from out of country, and the only ties I had was my lady in Minsk. But, I pretty sure I was watched for a day or two (laughing). Don't get me wrong, I'm not no James bind or nothing like that, and I'm not no CIA by a long shot, but it is scary knowing that just because of my job and hobby of flying can be looked at in there eyes (I guess) as a big deal, and I'm just a boat captain that has a job with allot of hazors and a hobby that I can't put down and yet, I hope they never think I'm a threat. NOPE ! I'm no threat at all. For the most part, I was there in February with all that snow they had, but this time it will be greener and warmer. I can't wait to see there country without all the snow. It's a very beautifully place to be. And for the money I make over here? I can live like a millionaire over there. Did you ever got shoved out the way by a little old lady in a grocery store by the produce section?? I did (laughing). I didn't know what the hell to do but look at here like ####### !!!! All I see is my lady laughing at this. I guess that's how they roll (laughing).	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-04-02 16:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Belarus travel insurance	During my visits to Belarus (I get double entry visitor's visa), I always flew to the airport and purchased the medical insurance there. I stay at my wife's apartment in Minsk, and she helps with the registration since I am not fluent in Russian. When you register, they will take a copy of the medical insurance document you receive from the airport. Once your registration is complete, you will get a stamp on your entry/exit registration card/paper which you turn in when you leave Belarus. This is just my experience during my visits there. I tried getting a multi entry visa, they only give me a single. Is this because that I'm not married yet to her? Or will I be able to get the multi entry after we married? The insurance I was told by my gal is to keep those papers on me at all times. WOW, it's like another world over there.	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-04-02 09:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Belarus travel insurance	When you get off the plane, they check your passport and direct you upstairs where there two booths. One on the right in the corner is she you do the insurance. The booth on the left before it? Don't know what that is yet. I was told its a monitory thing that you have to purchase this insurance on just the days you will be staying there. It's not much and they require you to keep those papers from that booth on you. I'm going back there this May 4th.	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-04-01 20:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	soooo	I think RUB means "ROB U BLIND" (laughing). Kidding I met my wife off a international singles site. I just seen one picture of her there that in her eyes I just seen something. Came to be that what I seen in her eyes in that picture became real. As we get to know each other, you start noticing the similarities in characters and opinions on how we see life, how we like to live life, and we like and dislikes was about equal. Talked to each other everyday on Skype, emails and texting for about 9 months till we was both comfortable to meet each other in person. Plan our first meet in Paris last November. Wow, Paris. Better than Diesny land (laughing). We hit it off pretty good, and we did have a couple of disagreements that we laugh about now because of the culture defrences. How did I know (or we)? Well, it's because for one, we both have the same dream of being a family. She was married and her her spouse walked out on her when there son was 4 months old, and my wife walked out on me and my daughter back in 2000. We both really had spouses that never really worked on being part a family. We both agreed that this was the important thing we both wanted to feel before god takes us off this earth one day, to know what it actually feels like to be a close, loving family working together as one, as a team to live, to learn, to love (unconditionally). I guess you can say we have a very good emotional connection with each other. You don't see this too much in today's relationships. Her or I did not want a marriage of conviences, but rather a marriage of unconditional love, support for each other and work out our defrences as we go along in our patches together. I can say that I'm very happy I found this girl and I think god she knows what marriage is all about. We both know it want be easy, and we know we will have some speed bumps, but we are the type of people who wants this to work, and will work with each other to find salotions to resolve any conflicts that might pop up in our lives. We've married April 12th of this year. We are going to have a baby girl pop out of her this August (yeah, Paris was a hoot,lol). You just never know what god has plan for you, be he's always there if you stop and listen.	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-07-07 03:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	soooo	Basically we met while I was in the Air Force over in South Korea. She was there working as an "entertainer" and we hit it off. Shortly thereafter, I returned to the US and she returned to Russia. For five years we kept in contact via phone, email, letters, etc. After I got out of the military we both flew to Moscow (she's from the far east) to see if it was still there and to start the paperwork for K-1 visa. There was really never any doubt that we'd get married "some day" since it seemed like, from the very start, we'd already been together for a very long time. My wife says we were married in a past life. Along the way, she and I both rotated back to Korea and "dated" (take that for what it's worth) other Russian/American/Korean/etc. folks. I guess it was just never really serious with those other folks and even though we were having fun, it wasn't meant to be. How'd I know she was the one and not the others? Simple. She swallows. (laughing) swallows? Mine chokes (laughing).	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-07-07 03:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	Aviator, you don't have to wear suits!!! Just nicer versions of the same things you always wear. Quality over quantity. Yep, it's time for a change (marriage score: husband-0 / wife-12) Chad	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-23 04:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	Ha! I actually went back through this thread and re-read some of this stuff because I'm one of those "snappy dressers" as well. My wife loves my fashion sense and has called me one name since she's been here. "Bumzh." She's been slowly working her magic on me and though I don't dress all European man of the year, I do jazz it up a bit when we go out. She likens it to repaying her for looking so good. If all the guys out there are looking at her then all the girls out there should be looking at me. I should look like something that "fits" her, not just some bum who imported a trophy wife. "Sexy wife must be have sexy husband and if you not will be sexy husband then sexy wife must be whis sexy boyfriend." Not that I really care, but I've realized over the past few years she likes to play dress up. If I don't play along with her... there won't be much playing afterward. Slim, I actually agree with you (and the other post someone else written), but imagine a cowboy changing from the ranch look to a suit and tie (laughing), he's going to feel funny. My wife is the same way as you speak about yours. Not that I wouldn't want to change up a little bit, I'm always will meet her half way on things, but I never was the dress up type (well, I think I just never had a woman who cared that much on how I dreessed). Change is always the hard thing to do when you been doing something for so long and it's like someone through ice in your pants (laughing). Hey, my wife is a direct speaker. Meaning, she tells it like it is and is not worried about hurting feelings. I knew I was going to get a hard time from her about my dress code when she started laughing at my baseball cap and tennis shoes (laughing). Point direct she told me "the 80's was in the pass, where you still are at, we're going shopping soon, so get ready" (laughing). Last time I asked for a female's advice about the new fashion, I took my 20 year old daughter with me clothes shopping. She dressed me up like a 20 year old prep school boy (laughing). That scared me dude !!! (laughing). Chad	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-22 00:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	Sears is for refrigerators, not clothes. And let's not forget the Craftmens tools Ok, the sears comment was a little dry since of humor. I was always told "fashion is everything", but I believe your not totally being yourself if you have to dress how everybody else dresses just to fit in. I'm me, there's nothing wrong with me, I'm happy who I am. If someone don't like me just because of my clothes, I don't need them. Now, I do understand what fashion is all about. Not criticizing you on the clothes issue, but I wasn't raised to dress like a million dollars everyday, I was raised to work, and feed my family and not to follow fades or fashion. I'm not comfortable wearing stylish clothes everyday. I guess you can say that "I don't let life countrol me, I control life". Please don't take this as an insult by no means. I have no judgment on people who like to dress up everyday. That's them, it's not me. Chad	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-21 00:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	You don't have to go all pointy-shoes, just upgrade your usual. Get well-fitting dark denim jeans, sneakers that aren't for the gym, and, well, baseball caps can't REALLY be salvaged for men over 30, unless you're a movie star and get a designer one and pair it with some aviators, I guess. Trade in your old ratty tshirt for something slimmer fitted, maybe from j crew, and a vneck cashmere sweater. A little more GQ, less Golf Digest. Don't sound like I will find that in a sears catalog Never had to play dress up in my life besides being married in dress clothes. All I ever did was work, not really much fun time. So to me it's hard to ajust to something that changes in time and I wasn't around to see this change to grow in it. I was always working out on the water away from family and time and normal time home, so my 80's look is gone with the wind you thank??? Chad	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-20 17:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	I was laughing while reading your post. The first time I ran into the in-the-floor trench toilet, I was pretty surprised. I used to pass through the airport without getting insurance. When I registered at the militsia station (with my landlady filling out forms) they would just sell it to me there. You are way past the point I was talking about - sending money. When I was last in Minsk, all medical care was free, and my ex made about $400+ per month. She was making more than most I think. Rent in the university district was about $250 for three rooms (for her). You might want to look into the free account/ATM card. It may save you some fees, and any hassle she gets for the transfers. You probably already know the basics about travel there, don't say anything negative about the government in public, don't be critical of the President (even on the land line phone), etc. I am sure your wife has you covered buying things. I hired a driver rather than take taxis, and my partners initially provided an interpreter. Again, the wife would cover you better anyway . I used to bank in Vilnius, Lithuania to avoid sending money back and forth from America. Vilnius is a decent place for a vacation after the baby comes, whenever your wife will agree to go . PM me if you want to know more about the place, I am happy to share, and it is a place you can both get in easily. Any EU country will let you in, and they give folks from Belarus a visa at the border. You can take a train or bus (4-6 hours depending). The last time I went, I took a train. The train was full of Kazaki workers returning from Moscow, drinking, singing, and having a great time. When they stripped down to sleep and were walking around the train in their underwear it was a little weird though. When we crossed the border on the way back, the passport control lady brought a train conductor to translate for me. I thought I was in trouble too. She asked if I had any appliances with me. I blinked a couple of times, and said "yes, I have a microwave oven in the overhead, and a refrigerator under my seat". The translator paused, then smiled like a hyena while she translated. The Kazaks screamed laughter, and the passport woman blushed red and started yelling at me - explaining what appliance means (walkman, cell phone, etc.). Good times. Do the girls strip down to there underwear also like the guys?? If so? It's time for a train ride (lol). As for as Lithuania? She always tells me she wants to bring me there. I think I might make a plan to do that before winter really starts over there. I like seeing Minsk on the outskirts of town. Beautiful place to see in the fall and summer from my opinion. Oh, we was shopping in town my wife and I when I had to pee. She pointed to a door at a building that didn't look like much, gave me a few dollars to pay the lady ???? Wait, back up, PAY THE LADY INSIDE???? With a very worried, but funny face looking at her I had asked "is this lady going to watch me pee?" what's a lady doing in.......? I stopped right there and thought to myself "I GOT TO SEE THIS". Walked in, gave the little old lady some money, went to the cubical door, open the door, "WHADA YA KNOW, there's and hole in then floor. Where's the toilet?". Letting my brain cells comput what my eyes was seeing, I went to the other door. Surly there must be a toilet in there?, open door, like I'm waiting for Freddy Kruger to jump out at me, HA HA HA, Another hole in the floor !! But this time I was giggling to myself (Naaaa, the little old lady heard me and saw me freaking out,lol). Oh well, let's see if my aim is any good, MISSED THE FIRST SHOT BY INCHES DAMN IT !!! (laughing). My wife was waiting outside and when I come out, she knew by the look of my face I was confussed at what I seen I there (lol). Se couldn't stop laughing for a few minutes. IS WAS A SET UP !!! (laughing). Another funny issue of my stepson picking on the dumb American, before we was married, Lena and I and her son met with her X (my stepsons father) at a very nice Italian place (which they have damn good pizza), her son taught me how to say something in Russian that will impress his pa pa when we meet. Well, he don't speak or understand English, Lena will have to interpret for us, but her son does know how to speak and understand english and I never told Lena that her son taught me something to say to his dad, so, she wasn't aware what was about to come out my mouth. Now, let me set the stage for this. This guy is a business man, he handles himself very proffetional and he's like "deviair" by the way he handles himself. We're sitting down eating and after a little bit of conversation between Lena and her X, I blurted out what her son taught me to say in Russian. If you could of seen the look on his face after. I thought I told the man something to the like "please to meet you, and blah blah blah. But what the little danker bell taught me is something like "hey, I love you man, want to blah blah blah". The minute I said this, her son started laughing, my lady gasp, her X still looking at me like I'm gay or something, and I'm just sitting there with this dumb look thinking," oh #######, I'm going to jail" (laughing). I'm so glad her X had a since of humor and they both knew where I learned to say what I did (laughing). The kid is very smart and has a very good since of humor like me. I can se it now, we're going to torment each other in the months ahead (laughing). We still laugh at that today her X and me when we see each other. So, I learned my lesson, no taking russian listens from a 12 year old kid over there (lol). Chad	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-20 17:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	IMHO, I would suggest trying to blend in a little bit more (the whole don't draw attention thing). I know I didn't pass for Russian in slacks and sport coat -- I'm 6'-1", 250 lbs. and I dont wear pointy shoes. But it's one thing to look out of place on closer inspection, and another to sport a look that screams AMERIKANITS! And who knows, you're finance may like it if you dress a little nicer. Yeah, my wife from there kinda jumps on that issue too, but some habits are hard to break. I don't like dress shoes, I love my tennis shoes. This pass winter, I wore my flying boots ( which there like the military version of hiking boots that I use when I'm ferrying airplanes around the states) over there, they was warm and she climb all over my tail feathers (laughing). I'm not much on fades and fashion. But, they way she dresses everyday (all the gals there), I ammit, I don't fit in, so I have to pipe down, give in and buy the elf shoes I guess (laughing). I'm sorry, I'm that T-shirt, tennis shoes, baseball cap kinda guy (laughing).	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-20 15:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	I think those are some good points, from a guy with recent experience. You are right not to wire money from your main account here, or any account connected to it. The account suggestions were probably to reduce the transfer expenses, depending on what you send. I have suggested (for Ukraine if I recall) opening a separate account (like we did) that has no fee, and a debit card that has no fee if you can find one. Most european banks don't seem to charge fees for withrawals, so you get a $2 fee from the American bank plus a currency conversion fee (so $5 or $6 for say, a $300 transfer). Cheaper than WU. MoneyGram is cheaper too, but they had no MoneyGram in Minsk last time I was there. It can be your account - not joint - and she has your debit card. I think the government only cares about two things: first, that you are not financing anything illegal, like the opposition, and second, that you are not repatriating dollars. The second is why you have to show your passport if you convert rubles to dollars before you leave. All this assumes that you are at a certain point in the relationship. My wife refused to accept money or even talk about finances until she was here. Every relationship is different, but I wouldn't recommend a monthly stipend early on. Each to their own. I have also had my visa request held by our government on the way to the Embassy of Belarus. Two weeks where it was unavailable on the UPS system, no explanation. Our government does some screeneing too . My suggestion about not disclosing that you are in Belarus (or anywhere else) on some sort of a wife hunt is just common sense. I was mostly joking about the KGB caring about that especially. In many places, telling the customs people you are on a romance tour, or meeting women on your own identifies you as a sucker. Law enforcement and customs are entrepenurial activities in many places, and you just don't want to be identified as a target before you leave the airport. Now there isn't a huge tourist industry in Belarus that I know of, so they would probably guess that tourist is code for something, but I doubt they would waste much time on it, so long as you don't seem to be connected to a government, andf aren't a journalist. Good point on all you said. I put this out here, I send $1,000 a month to my wife so she can get things ready for the birth of our child. I never ran into no trouble. I didn't meet her on no ramance tour either. I was very nervous the first time I was there (to the point my head be snapping around every 30 seconds in paranoia, laughing). The only times I had People look at me funny is when I flew out of Vienna. They all rush that plane to get good seats as I just took my time getting from shuttle bus to plane in 20 dagree chill. I was way off the beaten path because I was dress with a base ball cap and jeans while everybody else was dress like there going to a family wedding or something (lol). At Minsk when you go upstairs to get the insurence before going to through the check point for passports? That kinda old blond headed woman was cold faced, cold talking, no smiling, do my job and the heck with you kinda woman (laughing), she talked English and I finally got a smile from her after I paid up (lol). The rest going through that blocked off area before getting to the front loby kinda freaked me out. I had them repeat themselves at least 5 times so I understand what they was asking. I thought "oh #######, they think I'm starting trouble, going to jail" (lol). Nope, just gave up on the dumb American and let me through (laughing). I got allot of funny moment there. I couldnt find how to flush a tiolet one time (laughing). But after that it was like being normal out of town guess. This will be my fourth visit and this time I finally can see my new born daughter. But, if there's anything else I need to watch out for? Do tell please because I'm not there to go against the grain, just want to visit my wife and child and work on the paper work to get her here later on. Chad	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-18 22:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	That's right. I don't know if there is any more to it than that now, but the person receiving used to have to deposit the money in the National Bank and fill out a form. Only if the transfer was from America. Again, I was there doing business, not meeting women, and it was some years ago. The Democracy in Belarus Act put me out of business. I do western union every time. Had no problems her and I with this. I read some post on here about opening a joint account, but me here in the states and her still over there? I find it much easier to just WU her money and it's easier for me to stay on top of things. Plus, we don't know if we can trust the system over there with the type of money I make out here as a tug boat captain. I have allot of security safeguards tag to every thing in my life. You use my name on a computer? It sends me a message, you try to use my SSN? They call me, you try to find my bio info? ( the deeper stuff), agencies of various types call me or tacks me down. It's one of those things that because I work with high hazmat stuff out here, and with threats of terrorism in our world, it's a security blanket for my life in case the ####### hits the fan out here. And my bio got pulled (or tried to get pulled) 3 days before I went on my first trip to Minsk. That's how I know the KGB was doing there jobs. No problem. But, as for what was asked in this forum about what to put on why our going there, I surgest just the plain truth because if you get caught in a lie, then there's no trust, but if you show your being honest? Then they know your being truthful because 9 out of 10, they know what your going there for. When we do our visa with washington, and they send our paper works to there embassy in Washington, they do there checks before the decide to give a visa. You get a visa? Your ok, they don't give you a visa? Something triggered there red flag alert. Just something to think about.	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-17 23:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	I'm guessing he said this because your fiancee would have to show her passport to collect money at Western Union, and her name goes on a list. If you send cash in a letter (and it doesn't get opened on the way) you are good to go. The point of my post was not that I consider the KGB a threat to the USC, rather a warning not to bring unwelcome attention to the fiancee. I understand you. Well, she's a lawyer over there, so she's already has attention drawn on her (lol). Plus she's in very good standing with the athorities (police, KGB, and other wise). Really though, they know every move we make. I'm still learning there does and don'ts. I learn one thing, don't get in between the produce and a little old Bela-Russian woman in a grocery store (laughing). That woman wants her bananas? She will throw you to the side so quick and your just left with your mouth open wondering "####### just happend here" (laughing). That Woman had strength (laughing).	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-17 15:00:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	There you go. You are a tourist. They may laugh at you in passport control, but the KGB probably won't chase you either. And another thing. Do not send money from America. Why don't send money from America to there? I do that every month to help my wife with getting stuff ready for the baby. I haven't had no problems with that issue either. But I like to hear anything that may have cause you consern with that or if you had any problems with this issue.	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-17 14:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	There you go. You are a tourist. They may laugh at you in passport control, but the KGB probably won't chase you either. And another thing. Do not send money from America. The KGB already talked to my wife months ago. If I was any kinda of threat to them, they would of picked me up back then or never gave me a visa. You really have nothing to worry about. There not after Americans or any other nationality. There not into plucking Americans off the streets for political gain. There fight is not with USC's, but with the EU trying to twist there arm to side with that pact. And I don't blame Belarus for resisting the EU pact. I wouldn't want some other country telling me you have to follow our ways or we sanction you. That's arm twisting if you ask me. So, be honest and put down what your going there for. You don't want to get caught up in a lie. There not stupid, they already know why your going there way before you even leave the states.	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-17 12:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	Well, well now))) I'm right up the road from you in Des Allemands))) Well hello nabor (lol). We're not the only two close by who has a spouce from Belarus or Russia. There a couple who owns a store in front my place by the mall, she's Russian, and he's USC. Which I think it's good because it will give Alena someone she can relate too when she gets here. And I guess now you can say the same for your future bride. You know they will freak out when they start seeing the critters that wel live around (gators, possums, nutra rats, cyoties now, and big white head ####### roaches, laughing).	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-10 23:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	First off, thanks to everyone for the replies. You've eased my mind)) But no, I will not be getting married there. We are filing for K-1 Fiancee visa. I'm leaving on 02 Sep and will be there for about a week then we'll head over to Ukraine for about a week and a half. BTW, where in Louisiana are you? I'm from Cajun country (lol). My town is called Houma. It's about 36 miles southwest of New Orleans.	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-10 13:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	When I went to Belarus this pass May, I didn't put I was getting married. I just kept the same line the same as the previous application. Haven't had a problem. Also, that invitation that I used for the May trip actually was a day or two expired after it got to Washington (I was away at work on a river boat and sent everything in as soon as my feet hit land). Are You planing to get married when you go visit Belarus in September? What dates your going to belarus this September?	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-09 14:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	I am no expert on Belarus' attitude toward Americans taking their women. But I do know that the I-129F is a document that is not seen by the government of Belarus. It is only for the US government. So what is the worry? My expirence's in Belarus was great (besides learning that what they call "pancakes" over there is not like what we call it over in the states, lol). Yes, they know your a Fournier not by what comes out your mouth, but what you wear (laughing). I'm a blue jean, T-shirt, baseball cap wearing fool, and this is how they know I'm American (laughing). Nobody singled me out, no police following me, and even though the relationship between Belarus and USA is really good, I found that they treat you no deferent then your normal Bela-Russian there as long as you Go by there laws. Besides, Belarus's embassy in Washington does do background checks on the person seeking a visa to there country. They know way ahead if things are not up to par. Every time I go through there security check point at there airport, there's one tall security guy that when he sees me, he's very very nice and like to joke a little with me. He's about the only one that smiles allot too (laughing). If anybody there by the x ray machine ask's for a cigarette? Don't hand him the pack, he will take the whole thing (laughing). Thats how I came to know this fella, he asked for a cigarette (because my brand is Salem ultra lights and you want find it over there), and while I was putting stuff back in my back pack? He put my smokes in his pocket (laughing). It was funny, I wasn't mad and he's a pretty good guy. But he does his job over there. No one will badger you about taking away any females over there (unless she's has a hidden boyfriend call big bubba somewhere that you don't know about and she fails to tell "bubba" that there through before you and her hook up, laughing). this is probably not helpful at all but it would be hilarious if you just wrote "sex" LAUGHING MY TAIL FEATHERS OFF HERE (that would flip there do da yeah aaa off now wouldn't it)	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-08 11:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visiting fiancée	I am no expert on Belarus' attitude toward Americans taking their women. But I do know that the I-129F is a document that is not seen by the government of Belarus. It is only for the US government. So what is the worry? I just married my gal from Belarus this past may. I'm flying over there this sept 7th till the 22nd. Before we married, I just did the standard routine of her sending me an invitation and before we married, I put that I'm going visit her and her family (I used this twice even on the last trip back in may). This time around I stated that we got married and she's having our first child this month (which that is true) and I trying to spend as much time with her and her family till we decide about our future. That's what I put. I also did the multi entry this time and I will see what happens. I just mailed the package to Washington day before yesterday and they got it yesterday morning. I never had a problem with getting a visa. There govermment does not think " oh, American man taking our woman away from us" but maybe more like " oh god, p,ease take the females please " !!! (laughing). As for as just visiting Belarus? The only thing you need is her to get you an invitation. You got to use it with in 90 days (or three months the way my wife tells me). Go to "Travisa.com" (that's who I use), you will have to fill out Tranvisa's online application, and there's another visa application you have to fill out (which it's the app your questioning what to put on why you want to visit blah blah blah). You should have a problem unless she's affiliated with any people or groups against there government or you have no political backgrounds (another words, DO NOT TALK POLITCS WITH NO ONE THERE ARE GOING THERE (smiles).	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-08-08 11:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Changing last names	From what my fiancee told me, the apartment has to have the exact same name as the passport or there is a danger of losing it in the future. She says its simple enough to change the name of property papers but it takes a few weeks and of course this would have to be done after she changes her passport. I don't really know the answer either yet but you may want to look into it before it's too late. My wife also has property that she has that she started building on (just the slab foundation). What she told me was that if she doesn't build (or do something on that land) in 3 years, the government takes it without giving you any money for it. She wants to sale it, but not making any progress doing so to start advertising it. Her flat is a new building they put up on the east side of town not far from there library and we just finished building everything in it this year so she had a place for her and and the baby. I wonder if she knows something about the name game when it comes to changing names. She should know, she's a lawyer over there (lol). I hate to see our hard earn money go to waste that we put into the place. Capt: chad	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-10-18 08:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Changing last names	The wife changed her last name and got a new Belarusian passport the same week we were married. It was a breeze. That was a CR1 visa though so not sure how it works with the K-1. My wife went make her new passport last week in Belarus. All she did was add my last name. In Belarus, they don't have middle names like we do in the states (from what she told me), so, we put her last name as her middle name and her last name as mines (sure name I guess you can say). I sure hope by doing this early that it won't hurt us with the other stuff later. Now I'm wondering about her new flat she has that if she was in the states later on,, will she loose it? Y'all brought out an interesting issue we might not know about. Capt: chad Edited by Aviator56h, 17 October 2012 - 07:20 PM.	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-10-17 19:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Schengen visa	Okay, to anybody interested concerning the multi visa that you can use 90 days within a year. Go "long term" on that app. It's a little bit pricey, but better. I figured out what I did wrong on my app. I put "short term" multi and that wasn't what I thought it was. REYAN, YOU WAS RIGHT !! I just corrected my app before they processed it. Good to go now.	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-12-22 10:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Schengen visa	Again, there is a short term multi-entry visa good for 90 days and also a long term multi-entry visa good for 1 year (can only stay maximum of 90 days total for the year). You need to find out which one you/company applied for. They probably only applied for the short term multi-entry one for you, which is why they said you have to use it within 90 days. What kind of visa do you need? The most commonly used visa is the short-term visa. These are valid for up to 90 days and suitable for: •business travellers •students •private travellers on family business Short-term visas can be single, double or multiple entry, depending on requirements. Tourists usually receive a short-term group visa via their travel agency. Long-term visas are usually valid for one year and allow multiple entry to Belarus. They are suitable for: •frequent business travellers •private travellers wishing to stay longer in the country http://www.belarus.b...el/travel-visas Oh, I did the short term multi, I should of done the long term multi then. BLING !!!!!	Aviator56h	Male	Belarus	2012-12-19 13:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	B2 Tourist Visa for Russian Husband	I know I'm off-topping here, but you seem to live in Ukraine, and you have "Russia" in your profile. Is your husband a Russian citizen? Yes. His family is originally from Ukraine, but moved to Siberia before the fall of the Soviet Union.	Kharkov_Natalie	Female	Russia	2007-07-23 00:57:00